Why Europe is Ahead of the U.S.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data privacy law that was enacted by the European Union (EU) in 2018. GDPR is designed to protect the personal data of EU citizens and give them greater control over how their data is collected, stored, and used.
Simply put, GDPR requires companies to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting and processing their personal data. This means that users have greater control over what information they share and with whom. GDPR laws also give individuals the right to access their personal data, request that it be deleted, and file complaints if they feel their rights have been violated.
In addition to providing greater protection for personal data, GDPR laws also provide for significant penalties for companies that violate them. Companies can be fined up to 4% of their global revenue, which can be a strong incentive for them to comply with the regulations. This has helped to ensure that companies take data privacy seriously and take steps to protect the personal information of their users.
With GDPR laws in place in Europe, it provides significant protections for personal data that may not be available in other parts of the world. The GDPR is an essential tool for protecting the privacy and security of personal data in the digital age.
Why is this important in regards to today’s conversation about TikTok in the United States? Europe has a framework for regulating the collection, storage, and use of personal data, and this applies to companies such as TikTok. Emphasis on the fact that they have a legal framework.
In addition to the GDPR, individual countries in Europe also have their own data privacy laws and regulations. For example, the German government recently announced that it would be imposing stricter data privacy requirements on TikTok, including requiring the company to delete data on underage users.
While European countries may still have concerns about TikTok's handling of personal data, they have a stronger legal framework for regulating data privacy than the United States. This gives European citizens greater protection for their personal data and provides a mechanism for holding companies accountable for any violations of data privacy laws.
